49ers pursuing Gase; Fangio could consider exit

The 49ers could be on the verge of hiring Adam Gase … and losing Vic Fangio.

Gase, the Broncos offensive coordinator, is having a second interview with the 49ers today in Denver and the team is serious about making him its next head coach, the NFL Network reported. After that meeting, Gase will meet with Broncos general manager John Elway, who is considering Gase for Denver’s opening, which was created when it parted ways with head coach John Fox on Monday.

Gase, 36, has ties to the 49ers – he was an offensive assistant in 2008 – but has been with the Broncos for six seasons as their wide receivers coach (2009-10), quarterbacks coach (2011-12) and offensive coordinator (2013-14). Gase is close with Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, 38, who was noncommittal about returning for an 18th season after Denver’s divisional-playoff loss to the Colts on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Fangio, 56, the 49ers defensive coordinator, would consider requesting his release from his contract if Gase is hired, a source said. Fangio believes the 49ers’ next head coach needs plenty of coaching and life experience to lead a veteran, ready-to-contend team coming off a turmoil-filled 8-8 season. Fangio is under contract through the 2015 season.

Fangio, the first candidate to interview for the 49ers’ opening, is a 28-year NFL veteran with 15 years of experience as a coordinator. Gase, who broke into the NFL as a 25-year-old scouting assistant with the Lions in 2003, has 12 years of experience in the league, two as a coordinator.

Washington requested permission to interview Fangio for its still-available defensive coordinator opening, but the 49ers declined the request.